We are prisoners within these cavern walls, Our gazes held captive by the shadows' thrall. Until our hands clasped and our chains rattled, We united to break free from our shackles. The sightless joined forces with the soundless, And the voiceless uplifted the helpless, Together, we assembled a sliver of truth, A piece of the world hidden since youth.
Mesmer Jr.: ...
Vertin: Have you got something for me, Mesmer?
Mesmer Jr. looks worn and tired, but her demeanor is still somewhat friendly.
Dark circles are clearly visible under Mesmer Jr.'s eyes, just like every Laplace member encountered today.
Mesmer Jr.: Yes. They asked me to give this to you.
Mesmer Jr.: The culmination of our research, the crystallization of man and all its wisdom—The protective gear against the "Storm."
Mesmer Jr.: An umbrella, something you personally don't really need.
She takes a sarcastic jab as she opens the white satin umbrella.
Mesmer Jr.: It's called the Equilibrium Umbrella. This is the first model, consisting of a converter, a harmonizer, and a ritual core.
Mesmer Jr.: The converter generates a balancing field that can cast rituals in the "Storm," taking account of the wielder's capabilities.
Mesmer Jr.: The harmonizer's markings are inspired by the scroll of Apeiron. Madam Lucy tested it against 162 known side effects and found it to be highly effective.
Mesmer Jr.: The original scroll has been returned to the island. This is only a simplified and duplicated rendition.
Vertin: The 162 curses aren't all of them, right?
Mesmer Jr.: Correct. There may be other unknown side effects, so the umbrella is only a prototype in the testing phase.
Mesmer Jr.: And, the ritual core. At first, it was called the "37-Lucy Knot" in honor of the two main contributors.
Mesmer Jr.: However, both of them turned it down.
Vertin: Yes. I still remember what 37 said at the time.
Vertin: She would rather name it after the mathematical properties of the knot, even if it's too much of a mouthful.
37: No, no! 37 is not a name, and the Truth should not be dressed up with anyone's name!
37: I only found it. I didn't invent it. I don't need something named after me to prove my sense of existence.
37: Hmm, but I'm not on the island anymore. I can understand that the imaginary numbers need to honor the discovery.
37: You may use another contributor's name for it. I'm willing to accept that.
Mesmer Jr.: Madam Lucy showed no interest in the naming rights, so it was transferred to the third major contributor, Adler Hofmann.
Mesmer Jr.: Sadly, Researcher Adler also rejected the offer, at first. We nearly ended up using the date of that day as the name.
Mesmer Jr.: But he changed his mind after confirming he could use his family name instead.
Marcus: The Hofmann Knot?
Marcus: You named it after Madam Hofmann?
Foundation Staff II: Yes. Researcher Adler Hofmann wanted to make sure that Greta Hofmann would never be forgotten for her selfless sacrifice.
Foundation Staff II: Level Four Investigator Marcus, please accept this umbrella. It is rightfully yours.
She receives an Equilibrium Umbrella. Its pearly sheen creates an illusion of pure whiteness in front of her.
Marcus: ...
Foundation Staff II: Given the incredible contributions you have made, you are welcome to apply for a well-deserved and extended vacation.
Marcus: No. I will request for permission to go out.
Marcus: My era has gone. But with this umbrella in hand, I will venture into the new world and marvel at what's to come.
Marcus looks up at the sky.
Marcus: Will the Sachertorte taste the same?
With the umbrella in her arms, she bows to the Foundation staff member.
Then she turns and walks toward the light.
Mesmer Jr.: And lastly, the asymmetrical nuclide R in the handle of the umbrella is supposed to protect against the Storm Syndrome, but this still needs to be confirmed through testing.
Vertin: It's okay.
Vertin: This is the one thing we need the most.
Mesmer Jr.: If you have no further questions about its usage, I'm heading back to the rehab center.
Mesmer Jr.: The afflicted researchers there are in dire need of my magnet therapy.
Vertin: Don't you think one is not enough for my needs?
Vertin: I think five, no, 15 might be more helpful.
An unexpected question. Mesmer Jr. stops with a surprised look on her face.
Vertin: My suitcase can't protect humans from the "Storm." They'll need the umbrella to survive.
Vertin: In the future missions, I may encounter lots of—
Mesmer Jr. interrupts.
Mesmer Jr.: Just a reminder, Timekeeper: this is only a prototype.
Mesmer Jr.: The application forms for the umbrella are available in the Foundation lobby. Feel free to apply for as many as you need.
She turns and leaves, not staying for another second.
Vertin: Thank you, Mesmer.
The amount of sunlight is just right.
The umbrella pops open, rotating with a touch of grace.
Against the white fabric, the golden knot gleams with brilliance.
Vertin: 37 was right.
Vertin: It is a beautiful shape indeed.
The Foundation Square has been restored to its former glory.
A recognizable figure stands there, having waited for a long time.
Regulus: Hey Vertin! Did you get it done?
Vertin: Yes, it went smoothly. I was expecting something more complicated. So to get the umbrella, you only need to fill out forms.
Regulus: Huh? That's not what I was talking about!
Regulus: I'm talking about the brave and glorious sacrifice of my APPLe II! Don't you think the Foundation should compensate me with a shiny new ship?
Vertin: Oh.
Regulus: "Oh"? What do you mean "Oh"?
Regulus: Are you saying you totally forgot about it!?
Regulus closes in, offended, putting her hands on both her shoulders.
Lilya: Easy, Regulus. Those people are likely buried in paperwork right now. Just be patient and wait.
She twirls a golden medal between her fingers.
Vertin: Lilya. How was your commendation ceremony?
Lilya: Heh. They rewarded me for escorting the important item during the "Storm."
Lilya: How is delivering a scroll worthy of a reward? I'll say someone should be grateful I didn't crash into the committee building.
She tosses the medal to Regulus.
Lilya: Take it. Might be useful for your alchemy.
Regulus: Oh! Let me see.
Regulus brings the medal to her mouth and takes a small bite.
Regulus: Thanks mate! It's made of pure gold!
Regulus: On behalf of the pirate community, I thank you for your remarkable contribution to alchemy!
Druvis III: I have one, too.
Druvis III walks over and places another medal in Regulus's hand.
Like Lilya, she was rewarded for helping to deliver the scroll.
Druvis III: Please forgive my lack of contribution, Timekeeper.
She missed the island trip because of the forest they planted in the Foundation Square.
Fortunately, the square has been restored to its original condition.
Druvis III: It seems the awakened woods have embraced tranquility once more. Perhaps a sign of good things to come.
Vertin: I'm glad to see you back on your feet, Ms. Druvis.
Vertin: In fact, there's a place I'd like to introduce you to, a flourishing island that survived both war and the "Storm." I think a talented druid like you would be of great help to them.
Druvis III: Sounds like a place to look forward to.
The reunion is cut short by the pirate's cheering.
Regulus: Nice job, Druvis! It's not as big as Lilya's, but it is made of a rare kind of metal!
APPLe: This is a good start, Captain. This APPLe thinks we only need 300 more medals to afford a new ship.
Regulus: You read my mind, Mr. Chief Mate! When will Zeno's ceremony be held?
Regulus: This Captain is not a fan of these ceremonies, so, um, could they just mail me my medal?
The rockin' pirate coughs awkwardly, her eyes darting away behind the cover of her shades.
Sotheby: Hmm? Did I miss something?
Sotheby: Are we holding a medal-exchanging party?
Regulus: Sotheby!
Regulus rejoices at the sight of the little lady, tears welling up in her eyes.
She stretches out a hand, and Sotheby immediately gets the message.
Sotheby: But I don't have a medal. All I have is this big, round, golden ...
A handful of weighty jewelry is placed in Regulus's hands.
APPLe: Captain, I think we can buy a new ship with this.
Regulus wraps her in a ginormous bear hug, moved to tears.
Praise Sotheby—the most charitable woman in history, the revitalizer of the pirate community, the prime sponsor of the ingenious alchemist, and the bank vault on legs.
Sonetto: Regulus, Regulus!
Sonetto runs over panting, waving a stack of stamped papers in her hand.
Sonetto: The Timekeeper asked me to request a new ship for you, and we have the approval!
Sonetto: The Foundation will rebuild APPLe II and pay for its maintenance—hmm?
Vertin: Funny you say that, Sonetto.
The trees sway in the breeze and the sunlight streams through the leaves.
It is a fine weather to set sail again.
Vertin: Now we have two new ships.
